BELLA BROWN VISITS A BEE FARM by J.W. Zarek, illustrated by Anastasia at GetYourBookIllustrations – Animal Stories for Children, Picture Books, Children’s Educational Books

Bees frighten Bella, but a learning adventure turns her fear to fascination in J.W. Zarek’s delightful children’s book Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm.

Bella’s bespectacled Grandma Yetta asks for help in her wildflower garden. Bella hops along with her bucket of gardening tools, surrounded by beautiful hovering butterflies. But a sudden encounter with a large striped flying insect sends Bella running.

Grandma Yetta explains that the buzzing bee is merely curious or trying to protect her home or babies. She advises Bella to stand very still, and the bee will fly away. Bella gives it a try and sees her own fears fly away as the bee continues its journey through the garden.

Grandma suggests taking a visit to Farmer Joe’s Sunny Meadows Bee Farm to learn about the importance of these amazing flying creatures.

Farmer Joe coaxes the hesitant Bella to learn about our “buzzing friends,” taking her first to a glass observation hive full of bees at work. Farmer Joe explains the different jobs bees perform, from collecting nectar to caring for young bees—and even fanning their wings just to keep the hive cool!

With protective face netting and elbow-length gloves, Bella next visits the boxed beehives and learns how the placement of the hives can influence the taste of their honey. Farmer Joe describes how the bees make honey in the first place.

Sweet illustrations by Anastasia with GetYourBookIllustrations show the roles of the bees with childlike whimsy.

The queen bee wears her royal crown. Worker bees carry miniature tools and nursery attendants hold newly hatched baby bees, all doing their part to support the hive.

Wide-eyed Bella asks what else bees do.

Grandma Yetta explains how bees pollinate fruits and vegetables. Their communication “wiggle dance” is complimented by amusing images of a dance floor complete with big speakers and a sparkling disco ball. Zarek includes even more facts about bees, from their sleep patterns to flight speeds.

The fascinating little creatures ultimately awe Bella, and all she’s learned about them dispels her fears and leaves her instead with a desire to help the bees. She even pays tribute to them by donning an adorable bee costume.

Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm makes learning about bees approachable for young readers.

The book concludes with a page of affirmations for children like “Bee Joyful,” “Bee Happy,” “Bee Honest,” and “Beelieve in Yourself.” Zarek also provides a glossary of words related to Bella’s visit to the bee farm, as well as some friendly tips for readers to help bees in their area.

A furry little friend known as “Pip the Domovoi” appears in the background visuals several times throughout the book, prompting children to discover fun new details within Anastasia’s beautiful illustrations.

Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm by J.W. Zarek both entertains and educates at once. Young readers will appreciate the easily followed narrative and fun, colorful illustrations, and children of all ages will learn something new about these productive little insects and their importance to our ecosystem.